Mail: Morals, values and patriotism

This is not America’s finest hour. As Americans we need to examine ourselves and think on the words of John Winthrop: “We must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill-the eyes of all people are upon us.”

As a Republican for more than 30 years, I am appalled by the disrespect of the Constitution by those who have proclaimed moral standards, self-made values, and shrewdly through theatrical performances manipulated their message in the American flag and called it patriotism.

The prophet Isaiah stated “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." America has always been a great nation. America is the beacon of opportunities for those who are willing to make sacrifices to live the American dream.

With this in mind, America’s history has not been a utopia for many Americans. It was the willingness of brave Americans to give the ultimate sacrifice at home to receive the promise of freedom and prosperity in America.

For example, many African-Americans had to fight Jim Crow laws at home while simultaneously fighting for the right to participate in WWII to prevent the heinous actions of Nazi Germany. America’s military was segregated until 1948. I am truly grateful to all veterans, especially to men like my grandfather and other African-Americans who served with honor. On Nov. 24, 1943, Doris Miller was awarded the Navy Cross for his gallantry at Pearl Harbor. Miller never receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Stephen Ambrose noted that the “The world’s greatest democracy fought the world’s greatest racist with a segregated army. They made us proud."

The uniqueness of our belief drapes the wall at the United States Government Printing Office: It states: The flag of the United States of America is universally representative of the principles of the justice, liberty, and democracy enjoyed by the people of the United States; and People all over the world recognize the flag of the United States as symbolic of the United States.

In conclusion, I would never kneel during the National Anthem, but the Constitution allows for NFL players and other Americans to petition justice, liberty, and to ensure America’s greatness by reminding our political leaders why America is great. A courageous young woman, Heather Heyer gave her life for that very reason. Yes, Heather, “I am outraged, and I am paying attention.”

True Conservatism respects the Constitution and thereby is how we earn the title as America’s MVP.